New York State Local Retirement System Customer Service Issues

In the 1980s, I was a graduate student at Cornell University, a graduate fellow at the NYS Assembly, and a graduate fellow at the Rockefeller Institute of Government in Albany. I recently realized that I never became a member of the NYSLRS. However, since I am applying for Social Security at age 65, I require a letter confirming that I have no affiliation with NYSLRS and do not qualify for any retirement benefits from them. Could you kindly draft this letter and email it to me as an attachment? Thank you.

I am attempting to contact the NYS Retirement System customer service regarding a change in my banking information for my pension check as a retired Lieutenant from the NYS Department of Corrections. I need to update my deposit details to ensure I receive my pension check by the end of June [redacted]. However, when calling 1-[redacted] and selecting option #6, I have been unable to reach a representative as I am consistently informed that there are no agents available. I have been trying since last Monday without success. I have also requested forms by mail but have not yet received them, making it difficult to update my information promptly. Could someone please advise me on how I can resolve this issue or provide an alternative contact number? - L. K. Email: [redacted] Location: Heber Springs, AR [redacted]

My name is Karen Pantaleon, and I recently used this site to voice a complaint. I am employed at Westchester County Social Services. Upon applying for a retirement loan on my eligibility date of August 1st, I was reassured by a representative that there were no issues with my application. However, today I was informed that my application wasn't processed due to not checking the citizenship box. Despite numerous attempts to reach the [redacted] number, the high call volume prevented me from getting through. The sudden setback of being told my application wasn't processed after being promised a check in 4 to 6 weeks has been disheartening. I am reaching out for guidance on how to resolve this situation. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Karen Pantaleon

I applied for a loan from my NYS Retirement fund, and it has exceeded the 4-6 week processing time. Despite calling daily for the past few weeks, I have been unable to speak to a representative. This is highly unusual as I have never encountered this issue in all my years of using this service. Typically, I would receive my loan within two weeks. I am concerned about the lack of response to phone calls and the extended delay in processing. It is frustrating not knowing what is causing this delay and the inability to get through to someone for assistance.

I recently closed my checking account due to a security concern. Since July [redacted], I have been attempting to have my monthly church direct deposit switched to my new account. Despite the bank making three submission requests, the direct deposit has not been successfully switched over yet. Being homebound, I was advised by the bank to handle this request in person. I visited the bank yesterday, where I filled out the necessary form and they faxed it as requested. Unfortunately, I have been unable to access my online account to make changes and have been trying to reach a live representative for over a month. Each time I call, I either get disconnected due to high call volume or end up waiting on hold for over an hour, forcing me to give up.

I have been trying to contact New York State Retirement multiple times regarding my loan processing, but they have not been responsive. Despite submitting my request over 6 weeks ago, I have been unable to speak to a representative as the automated system keeps disconnecting me due to high call volumes. When I follow the prompts for overdue processing, it leads to the same message asking to call back later. This has been a frustrating experience trying to get assistance with my loan.

I joined NYS DOL in July [redacted]. Initially, it was decided that due to receiving retirement payments from NYSTRS, it wasn't beneficial for me to join NYSLRS. Recently, in the last two pay periods, deductions for a retirement system I'm not part of were taken out again. Despite efforts to resolve it with BSC, the issue persists. Given my upcoming medical procedure for a brain aneurysm on December 16, [redacted], resulting in a two-week absence, the continued deductions are causing financial strain. I request the refunded amounts from the last two pay periods, as done previously. Dealing with this during my health crisis is overwhelming, and I seek a swift resolution. Elizabeth Ober, Local Veterans' Employment Representative at NYSDOL, Middletown, NY.